Does muscle repair automatically comes with TT or does it have to be requested with the TT?

Hello and thank you for your question.To be honest, a fully trained plastic surgeon would be able to determine whether or not you need plication of your rectus (abdominal) muscles. There is never a cookie cutter answer to plastic surgery. Every single patient is unique and deserves a tailored plan and approach to their surgery.Therefore, I would say that 90% of my patients get a plication of the rectus muscles, but I always make that decision during the operation once I can clearly see the degree of muscle separation intra-operatively.Find yourself a fully trained plastic surgeon and all should be well.All the best!Dr. Zuriarrain, Plastic Surgeon

There are 3 general parts of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): removal of extra, stretchy skin, removal of extra fat to trim the belly wall, and tightening of abdominal muscles (usually the rectus muscles).  Whether all 3 of these maneuvers needs to be done in order to give the patient the smoothest, trimmest, and firmest belly wall, will depend on just what anatomic problems exist prior to surgery. This will be determined by a careful examination by an experienced plastic surgeon.  Many patients do not have any muscle stretching or looseness, and so muscle tightening does not have to be done.  On the other hand, if muscle looseness or separation has contributed to your shape deformity, then you would need muscle tightening to give you the best result.  Be sure to discuss with your surgeon what he/she plans to include and why.

Thank you for your question. Tummy tuck, also know as abdominoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and to restore the weakened abdominal wall, giving a firmer and smoother appearance. Some patients may anly need skin excision but tummy tucks usually have muscle tightening. Tummy tuck is a very powerful technique in the right hands, and can have dramatic results if done correctly.  You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.